How Yoruba Nation rally sparked unrest at Ojota, 18 months after death of 25-year-old at similar protest
A rally by the Yoruba Nation group at Ojota, Lagos, on Monday, January 9, 2023, has reportedly claimed two lives.
This is coming 18 months after a similar rally by the group on Saturday, July 3, 2021, claimed the life of 25-year-old Jumoke Oyeleke who was hit by stray bullet after Police opened fire to disperse protesters…….CONTINUE READING
There were multiple videos circulating on social media on Monday morning, with users claiming they were footage of violence that trailed the Yoruba Nation rally at Ojota.
The group had announced plans to hold a mega rally at Ojota on January 9.
According to videos posted to social media examined by Neusroom, the Ojota-Ikorodu road was deserted by commuters and motorists on Monday following a clash from the rally.
Footage showed the bodies of two victims of the unrest lying on the road.
Smoke and flames were also seen around the Ojota bus stop after a van was set on fire while other vehicles were destroyed by protesters.
“Police has killed two of our members,” one protester narrated in a footage, threatening to retaliate by setting fire to a Police station.
Neusroom could not immediately confirm the identity of the victims.
The Lagos State Police Command deployed its operatives to the area to douse tension.
A Neusroom correspondent who visited Ojota around 1 pm on Monday reports that normalcy has returned to the area.
Ben Hundeyin, the Lagos PPRO, is yet to respond to Neusroom’s request for comments on allegations that Police shot two of the protesters.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday afternoon, Hundeyin claimed miscreants masquerading as Yoruba Nation Agitators were behind the unrest.
The Police spox, who claimed the ‘miscreants’ were carrying several pump-action-rifles which they shot at RRS officers and patrol vehicles, said “one person has been confirmed dead, while two police officers shot by the miscreants are currently receiving treatment. Four suspects have been arrested and investigations have commenced.”
In the statement, the Police spox did not address allegations that two protesters were shot dead by the Police. He, however, shared photos of an injured Police officer and vehicles damaged by the protesters.
In October 2022, a coroner indicted the Police for Jumoke Oyeleke’s death after Police shot at protesters at the Yoruba Nation rally in July 2021.
The Yoruba Nation group is agitating for the independence of the Yoruba ethnic group from Nigeria.
It has been holding a series of rallies across the Southwest to press home its demands.
Its agitation led to the manhunt for Sunday Igboho and his arrest in Benin Republic in July 2021.
Its spokesperson Yomi Koiki could also not be reached for comments.
